Dark Parasyte

Planarch Selyndros cleared his throat. Not sharply, but with the measured gravity of one accustomed to commanding attention without the need to raise his voice. The faint stirrings within the chamber ceased. Even the glow of the suspended runes above seemed to still in subtle deference. The Archmagus seated around him shifted slightly, their postures aligning as if summoned by an unspoken ritual.

"Let us begin anew," Selyndros said, his voice low and solemn, each syllable carrying the weight of centuries. "Corvin Blackmoor, you stand now before the Hexarchy. The hidden heart of the Synod, the council that governs not in public halls, but in shadowed sanctums. We are the true executors of the Dark Mother’s will. What is spoken here carries the authority of our goddess."

He gestured gracefully with an open hand, fingers extended in welcome or command, it was unclear which.

"I am Planarch Selyndros. Beside me is Planarch Dhaelora. You are already acquainted with Archmagus Vaelorin, our emissary to the Synod’s visible tier. The other Archmagus seated before you are Archmagus Caladriel," he nodded toward a woman of sharp profile, silver eyes set beneath a crown of raven black hair. "Archmagus Thalen Morn," a tall, statuesque figure whose face betrayed no emotion, carved more from silence than flesh "and Archmagus Yserith Vale," a pale elven woman with delicate features and a slow, knowing smile that never reached her eyes.

Selyndros steepled his fingers beneath his chin, the sleeves of his robe shifting with the motion like velvet shadows.

"You were summoned to this chamber for multiple reasons. Chief among them is your refusal to permit the Synod to establish a formal presence within the Gilded Dominion by leveraging your existing accord with Duchess Yvanna. We believe there exists a path toward advantage of both sides."

He completed his sentence with unwavering poise. His voice, though soft, carried a certainty that echoed through the hall like a formal decree.

"We believe there exists a path toward mutual advantage, and we would see it explored in good faith, for the benefit of both the Synod and yourself. Our desire is not to command, but to cooperate. Your talents are beyond question, and your station, however unconventional offers opportunities not easily replicated. We do not seek to rob you of agency, Corvin Blackmoor. We seek to align our purposes, to give structure to what has until now been an informal arrangement."

Selyndros leaned back slightly, folding his hands.

"We hope this council will not be remembered as a confrontation, but as the beginning of true understanding."

Then he fell silent, waiting.